Botswana Movement for Democracy
Encyclopedia
The Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) is a new opposition political party
in Botswana
. It was established in 2010 by MPs and other politicians who split from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party
over differences with Ian Khama
, the BDP's leader and President of Botswana. It was the first party to split from the BDP, which has ruled Botswana since independence in 1966. Its leader is Gomolemo Motswaledi
, elected on May 2, 2011 at the party's inaugural congress. Botsalo Ntuane, currently MP for Gaborone West South constituency and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, was elected as party Vice President. Sydney Pilane, who had been serving as the party's Public Relation's Officer since its formation, lost his bid for Party President to Motswaledi.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
. It was established in 2010 by MPs and other politicians who split from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party
Botswana Democratic Party
The Botswana Democratic Party is the governing conservative party in Botswana. Its chairman is Daniel Kwelagobe.BDP was shaped by Sir Seretse Khama, who is celebrated for nurturing the economic and political success of Botswana. The party's base is in the traditional Setswana communities, and it...
over differences with Ian Khama
Ian Khama
Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama is a Botswana politician who has been the President of Botswana since 2008; he is also the Paramount Chief of the Bamangwato tribe...
, the BDP's leader and President of Botswana. It was the first party to split from the BDP, which has ruled Botswana since independence in 1966. Its leader is Gomolemo Motswaledi
Gomolemo Motswaledi
Gomolemo Motswaledi has been the chairman of the Botswana Movement for Democracy since May 2010. He was formerly the Secretary General of the Botswana Democratic Party . He currently owes over a million dollars in legal fees to the BDP.-References:...
, elected on May 2, 2011 at the party's inaugural congress. Botsalo Ntuane, currently MP for Gaborone West South constituency and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, was elected as party Vice President. Sydney Pilane, who had been serving as the party's Public Relation's Officer since its formation, lost his bid for Party President to Motswaledi.